Poetry · Chapter
Rejected explained
A darkly humorous poem describing the death of Dr.
What happens
A darkly humorous poem describing the death of Dr. Charles O'Donnell, whose coffin is sent to Hell but rejected by Old Nick as unwanted 'rubbish' sent C.O.D.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Regret
The poem deals with death and the afterlife, portraying a soul rejected even by Hell
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The bureaucratic and transactional nature of the afterlife (C.O.D. shipping) satirizes institutional corruption
Characters to notice
- Dr. Charles O'Donnell
Deceased doctor whose coffin is sent to Hell
- Old Nick
Satan who rejects the coffin sent C.O.D.
Key passages
“When Dr. Charles O’Donnell died They sank a box with him inside.”
Upon Dr. Charles O'Donnell's death, his body was placed in a coffin and buried.
Opening lines establishing the death and burial
“Ten million million leagues it fell, Alighting at the gate of Hell.”
The coffin fell an unimaginable distance until it reached the entrance of Hell.
Hyperbolic description of the coffin's journey to the underworld
“Nick looked upon it with surprise, A night-storm darkening his eyes. “They’ve sent this rubbish, C.O.D. — I’ll never pay a cent!” said he.”
Satan was astonished and angered, refusing to accept the coffin sent collect on delivery.
Climax where Old Nick rejects the shipment